How to secure your Google account

This article has been updated. Originally published April 6, 2017.

Your Google account is a treasure trove of personal information: emails, photos, documents, videos, and more, all secured by a single password. Compromising this password could have serious consequences. Fortunately, Google prioritizes security, offering robust account protection features.

Strengthening Your Google Account Security

Google supports two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of security. Logging in from a new device requires your password and a code from your phone. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

To enable 2FA and manage other security settings, visit the My Account page. Navigate to the "Security" tab, then "Signing in to Google." Here, you can activate 2FA and update your password. Remember to create a strong, unique password—at least 10 characters long, including letters, numbers, and symbols.

Also, verify and update your recovery email and phone number. These are crucial for regaining access if you're locked out, but ensure these accounts are equally secure.

Managing Connected Devices

You likely access your Google account from multiple devices. Google alerts you via email when a new device or app logs in, providing the time and location. If an alert is suspicious, check your device activity.

Access the device activity page through the "Security" tab, under "Your devices," then "Manage devices." Remove any unfamiliar or inactive devices by selecting them and clicking "Sign out." Don't hesitate to remove and re-add devices as needed.

You can also manage active sessions from a link at the bottom of your Gmail inbox. Click "Details" to sign out of all active sessions. Regularly review and remove any unused third-party apps connected to your Gmail for enhanced security.

Securing Your Smartphone

For Android users, your Google account is deeply integrated with your phone. Use a strong lock screen PIN or fingerprint authentication. Within the Android "Settings" app, navigate to "Google," then "Security." Enable features like remote device location and Google Play Protect to monitor for suspicious app activity.

Consider using Android's "Smart Lock" to disable the lock screen in trusted locations. If your device is lost or stolen, use Android Device Manager to remotely lock and wipe it.

Protecting Your Privacy

While security focuses on preventing unauthorized access, privacy involves controlling what data Google collects. On the My Account page, go to the "Data & Personalization" tab to review and manage your data.

Clear your Google search history, manage location tracking, and personalize ad settings. Under "Activity controls," you can delete or pause data collection. Review Google's privacy policy for more information on data usage. Ultimately, the level of data sharing is your choice.

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